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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects people’s behaviour.

People with ADHD might seem restless, have trouble concentrating or focusing or may act impulsively.

ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood but may persist as an adult.  However, sometimes it is not picked up as a child and may be diagnosed in adulthood.

ADHD is more common in boys.

It may become more obvious at times of change.

The cause of ADHD is not known but research has suggested some possible structural differences in the brains of people with ADHD. ADHD can also sometimes run in families and the genes you inherit may play a role. Several other factors may contribute such as smoking or taking alcohol/drugs during pregnancy, being born early or having a low birthweight.

Broadly speaking the symptoms of ADHD fit into two categories:

Inattentiveness

People with ADHD may:

  • Have a short attention span
  • Struggle to concentrate or focus
  • Struggle to listen
  • Struggle to follow instructions 
  • Be easily distracted 
  • Make mistakes 
  • Appear forgetful 
  • Lose things
  • Appear poorly organised 
  • Struggle to prioritise 

Hyperactivity and impulsiveness

People with ADHD may:

  • Be unable to sit still
  • Appear restless 
  • Constantly fidget
  • Move around or talk more
  • Interrupt or speak out of turn
  • Appear to act without too much thought
  • Appear to have no sense of danger 

Some people will experience symptoms from both lists, whilst others might only experience symptoms of inattentiveness.

Assessment for ADHD in Children

If you think your child has ADHD, you should speak to a trusted professional.  In general this will be the Health Visitor for pre-school aged children and School for school aged children.  Schools have a designated professional called the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator (SENDCo) who will be involved.

They can start the pathway for your child to be assessed by a children’s neurodevelopmental specialist.

In Peterborough, there is a set pathway for accessing assessment. This ensures that you and your child receive timely support before referral to specialist neurodevelopmental services.

Early Help Assessment

Initially, an Early Help Assessment (EHA) is completed by the lead professional.  The lead professional is a trusted professional who already knows and works closely with the child/family.

Early Help is about ensuring that children and families receive the support they need at the right time, by bringing together professionals who will listen and work with the whole family to help make things better for everyone.

After the EHA is completed, there will be a meeting between multiple professionals, agencies and support groups to ensure the most appropriate help is offered to the child/family

Referral for neurodevelopmental assessment

If there are still concerns, the lead professional may make a referral to specialist neurodevelopmental services through YOUnited.

The referral will need to include as much information and evidence as possible as to why an assessment is needed, including evidence of a school based support plan e.g. Assess, Plan, Do, Review

A developmental history form will also need to be attached to the referral.

Developmental history for families form

If the referral is accepted, you will receive a letter letting you know what type of assessment has been recommended.  You will then be contacted again once you reach the top of the waiting list.

GP’s cannot make a diagnosis of autism or ADHD.
GP’s cannot make direct referrals for neurodevelopmental assessment either and all referrals must follow the pathway outlined above.

It is widely accepted that the best person to lead on the EHA and subsequently refer for neurodevelopmental assessment is a trusted professional who already knows and works closely with the child/family.  This is usually the Health Visitor for pre-school aged children and someone in school for school aged children.

This is because lots of evidence needs to be attached to the referral which GP’s do not have access to e.g. your child’s learning levels, evidence of school based support already in place, outcomes of testing/assessment of learning needs, descriptions of witnessed behavioural challenges and observations of peer and staff social interaction.

Additionally, GP’s do not receive training in or have access to the computer package used to manage an EHA.

GP’s may however provide a report to the lead professional to support the EHA/referral if they wish to add information from a general health perspective or if there are specific medical details to share.

Frequently Asked Questions

Click on the link below to view the FAQ’s leaflet:

Assessment for ADHD in Adults

Assessment for ADHD in adults in Peterborough is undertaken by the adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) clinic.

If you think you have ADHD as an adult, your GP will be able to make a referral.

The GP will ask you to complete the following form and return it to the surgery.  The GP will then review your answers and if appropriate, refer you for assessment.

Support after diagnosis

Living with ADHD can be challenging, but treatment can help make life easier.  Management usually involves combinations of:

  • Strategies to manage the condition such as parent training and education programmes
  • Therapy such as psychoeducation, social skills training, behaviour therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
  • Medication such as methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine, dexamfetamine, atomoxetine or guanfacine

Methylphenidate, dexamfetamine, lisdexamfetamine atomoxetine and guanfacine may be prescribed for children and young people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Cambridgeshire & Peterborough.  

However, they can only be prescribed in Primary Care on the advice of a hospital specialist and your GP will not be able to initiate these medicines without a specialist review first.  

The specialist will initiate and stabilise children and young people on medication.  Such medicines also require regular monitoring of height, weight, blood pressure and pulse.

Methylphenidate, dexamfetamine, lisdexamfetamine and atomoxetine may be prescribed for adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Cambridgeshire & Peterborough.  

However, they can only be prescribed in Primary Care on the advice of a hospital specialist and your GP will not be able to initiate these medicines without a specialist review first.  

The specialist will initiate and stabilise adults on medication. 

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